Justices Allow Police to Take DNA Samples After Arrests

[DallasNE]

15. It Is Laughable To Say That This Taking Of DNA

Is to identify the suspect in custody. What are they comparing the DNA against that would prove identity? Do they have DNA from birth? Then contrast that against recent cases where death row inmates are asking for DNA to be taken from evidence that could clear them and the government objects with all means possible. But while Scalia makes a valid point it is not the point Kennedy made in the majority opinion, which is valid since DNA is often central to a case, so it is hard to understand where Scalia is coming from other than politics. Here Kennedy identifies the primary purpose of obtaining DNA from a suspect while Scalia is only identifying a secondary purpose (attempting to clear up cold cases).